A pool with a view at Sedona’s Enchantment Resort. photo by Andrea Guthmann / Midwest TravelingMom
Most people know Sedona, Arizona, as a New Age hippie haven. The spectacular red rock mountains are said to contain several vortexes of positive energy, where ages and ages of new agers are said to have found tranquility and spiritual inspiration.
Sedona is the new age capital of the U.S.A. photo by Andrea Guthmann / Midwest TravelingMom
True, you can have your aura read and chakra alligned, but nature lovers will also find a bounty of hiking, biking and outdoor opportunities amidst the rusty rocky landscape.
Adobe casitas at Enchantment Resort. photo by Andrea Guthmann / Midwest TravelingMom
If you want to take it outside on your vacation, Enchantment Resort in Sedona is the closest you can come to the red rocks without actually camping.
Boynton Canyon towers over this luxury hotel, where adobe suites are decorated in Native American-themes and feature kiva fireplaces and oversized soaking tubs. You’ll likely find yourself dumbstruck by the breathtaking beauty of this resort. Just take it in stride, and sign up for one of the complimentary guided hikes along the surrounding trails.
Hiking and Biking in Sedona
You can also hit the roads of red rock country on complimentary mountain bikes if you stay at Enchantment. A breathtakingly beautiful pool, complimentary tennis courts and rackets, golf course and a world-class spa with daily fitness classes mean there’s an endless choice of activities. If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll appreciate the resort’s Camp Coyote drop-off children’s program, where kids have their own adventures, including going on nature walks and creating Native-American themed crafts.
On the road to Sedona
Located 120 miles north of Phoenix & 110 miles south of the Grand Canyon, Sedona is an ideal midway stopping point. During the two hour drive from Phoenix to Sedona, consider stopping by the Blazin M Ranch in Cottonwood, for a taste of the Old West.
The spirit of the Old West is alive at Cottonwood, Arizona’s Blazin’ M Ranch. photo by Andrea Guthmann / Midwest TravelingMom
The highlight of this family-friendly western attraction is the yodeling cowboys who perform during the dinner show.
Sign up for a ranger-led hike of the Palatki Native America ruins, a World Heritage Site. photo by Andrea Guthmann / Midwest TravelingMom
Learn about Native American Life
Once in Sedona, make sure and check out the Palatki Native American ruins. This designated world heritage site is about six miles west of downtown.
You’ll need to travel slowly for the last 2.5 miles down a bumpy dirt road to experience these ancient cliff dwellings and pictographs, but trust me, it’s well worth it. Make sure and call ahead (928)282-4119 to reserve a spot on one of the complimentary ranger-led hikes.
Back in town, make sure and stop by Tlaquepaque (pronounced Tla-keh-pah-keh), a unique pedestrian shopping village filled with upscale galleries, restaurants and independently owned boutiques. Designed to resemble a traditional Mexican village, it’s a great place for a stroll.
Whether you believe in the power of the vortex or not, there’s no denying Sedona’s a special place and Enchantment Resort is its tranquil oasis.
